02 What is the Conch Republic?
Description
This article is from the Key West FAQ, by Rob Miracle rwm@MPGN.COM with numerous contributions by others.
02 What is the Conch Republic?
In 1982, the US Border Patrol placed a road block on US1 just before
one crosses over into Key Largo for the purpose of catching drug
traffic, illegal aliens, etc. Traffic jams to and from the Keys built
up in large proportions. Tourism basically died off. Several folks got
together and formed the nation of "The Conch Republic", and seceded
from the Union. The Conch Republic instantly surrendered to the United
States and requested $1 Million in foreign Aid. The publicity stunt
was successful in ending the road blocks. But to not let a good thing
end, the Conch Republic Flag still flies in the skies above the Keys.
Conch Republic passports are also issued.
What is Cayo Hueso?
Cayo Hueso is Spanish for "Island of Bones". When Ponce de Leon first
arrived at Key West, the island was littered with bones from the
Indians who had lived here. The term "Key" is most likely an
Anglicization of Cayo. It isn't clear if "West" is derived from Hueso
(pronounced way-so) or if the term "West" has to do with the
geographical location of Key West.
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